The Oyo State government has announced an initiative that aims to provide legal recognition to those who have been misled by unauthorized land sellers, in a move to address the land ownership crisis affecting residents of Ajoda New Town.
Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Hon. Ademola Omotoso, held a community engagement event to inform residents about their rights and the steps they can take to secure legitimate ownership of their properties.
He noted that the land in question was acquired by the government in 1976 during the regime of General David Jemibewon.
According to him, many residents have unknowingly over the years purchased plots from individuals described as land grabbers, who falsely claimed to have the authority to sell the land.
This he said, has led to the establishment of over 20,000 houses on land that residents do not legally own, creating a climate of uncertainty and fear among the community.
In response to the ongoing crisis, he said Governor Seyi Makinde directed the Oyo State Housing Corporation to facilitate a process for these residents to register as authentic landowners.
During the event, Omotoso explained that residents will need to pay a nominal fee to cover administrative costs associated with processing their documentation. He assured attendees that the fees would be kept reasonable to ensure accessibility.
Omotoso also issued a warning to community members about the dangers of engaging with unauthorized sellers.
He emphasised that any future transactions involving land grabbers will not be tolerated, and structures built on such lands could face demolition.
The chairman urged residents to approach the Oyo State Housing Corporation for any land-related transactions to avoid falling victim to scams.
This initiative is seen as a compassionate response to the plight of Ajoda residents, allowing them a chance to stabilize their living situations.
Omotoso stressed the importance of vigilance and community unity in addressing this issue, encouraging residents to look out for one another and report any suspicious activities related to land sales.
“The Oyo State government is committed to ongoing engagement with the Ajoda community, with plans for further informational sessions to ensure that residents fully understand their rights and the processes involved.”
“This step represents a critical effort to rectify years of confusion regarding land ownership in Ajoda New Town, reinforcing the government’s dedication to the welfare and legal rights of its citizens,” he said.